Assistant Technical Officer

Job overview

Assistant Technical Officer

Department: Cellular Pathology

Band: 3, £24,071 - £25,674 Per annum, pro rata if part time

Hours: Three posts available: Two substantive posts and One Fixed Term Contract until the 31st of March 2025. All MKUH roles will be considered for flexible working

Cellular Pathology is a busy but friendly department processing more than 21,000 histology specimens and 1100 cytology specimens per year and plays a vital role in the Trust's diagnostics cancer service.

We are looking for competent and versatile individuals with a positive 'can do' attitude who are willing to learn new skills to join our team in the role of Assistant Technical Officer (ATO). We are advertising two full time permanent posts and one full time fixed term post which will end on the 31st of March 2025. This post is to cover a secondment.

Please note that we are not able to offer sponsorship for this role.

Interview date: 19 November 2024

Main duties of the job

The successful candidates will participate in core laboratory duties including receiving and processing patient's samples, data entry, assisting at tissue dissection, equipment operation and maintenance, managing laboratory waste disposal and microtomy among other tasks. Training will be given to achieve competency.

Ideally you will have GCSEs in Science, Maths, and English, and/or an NVQ level 3 or equivalent level qualification or qualifications with a laboratory relevance / equivalent laboratory experience. In addition to this, you must also have good verbal and written communication skills, have basic IT skills, enjoy working individually and as part of a team and be able to manage some lifting and handling tasks.

Working for our organisation

NHS Staff Survey: This staff group stated that MKUH's top priority is the care of patients and service users .

You can expect a warm welcome at Milton Keynes University Hospital, our staff are friendly and welcoming. We listen to each other and work together to embed our Trusts values and behaviours. At MKUH we appreciate our staff and reward them with an outstanding benefits package including:

• Free on-site parking

• Free tea and coffee

• Great flexible working opportunities

• Discounted gym membership

• Lease car scheme

• Generous annual leave and pension scheme

• On site nursery (chargeable)

• Extensive staff health and well-being programme

Milton Keynes University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, in partnership with the University of Buckingham, is a University Teaching Hospital; we conduct research and teaching on site to improve the care of our patients. The hospital is undergoing significant investment, and we are proud to be rated good by the CQC. Visit our website to catch up on our latest news.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

• To support the delivery of a high quality, responsive and comprehensive Cellular Pathology service for the trust and its users.

• To be part of a team of Biomedical Support workers delivering technical and administrative support to ensure the provision of an efficient and effective diagnostic service.

• To work with the laboratory management and technical team to ensure compliance with regulatory standards including those of ISO 15189, the Human Tissue Authority (HTA) and screening programmes.

• Help the Cellular Pathology team to meet departmental and trust KPI's.

• To work safely in accordance with trust health and safety policy and departmental policies to deliver a safe, high-quality service for its users.

• To comply with clinical governance and risk management policies and ensure all mandatory training is completed in accordance with the trust guidelines.

Please refer to attached Job description for further information.

We believe success lies in the diversity of our employees and are committed to promoting equality, encouraging diversity, and embracing inclusion. We welcome applications from everyone interested in working for us.

MKUH is committed to equal opportunities and improving the working lives of our staff and as such we offer a range of flexible working practices.

We reserve the right to expire vacancies prior to the advertised closing date once enough applications have been received.

MKUH uses identification scanning technology to confirm the authenticity of documents; all prospective employees of MKUH will have their original documents verified using this technology.

By applying for this role, you accept if successful, that information from your application will be transferred into the national NHS Electronic Staff Record (ESR) system. Your personal data may be transferred from the Trust to another NHS organisation where your employment transfers within the NHS. This is in accordance with the streamlining programme which aims at saving you time and improving efficiencies within the NHS when your employment transfers.

Upon commencing employment with the Trust, all employees (except Medical & Dental Staff on national terms and conditions) are subject to a probationary period lasting a period of six months with an option to extend for a further six months to a total of 12 months.

Person specification Qualifications and knowledge Essential criteria

• Science, English and Maths GCSEs at C or above (or equivalent)
• NVQ level 3 or equivalent level qualification
• Basic computer skills
• Knowledge of importance of confidentiality

Desirable criteria

• Qualifications with a laboratory relevance
• Knowledge of anatomical / medical terminology

Experience Desirable criteria

• NHS experience
• Experience of working in a health care environment
• Experience of working in a laboratory
• Experience of data entry into information management systems

Skills Essential criteria

• Possess excellent communication skills - communicate effectively and sensitively
• Follow detailed protocols and procedures
• Good time management skills with an ability to prioritise
• Good use of initiative
• Well developed organisational skills
• Good people skills
• Effective team worker
• Ability to work under pressure

Desirable criteria

• Ability to prioritise and manage conflicting priorities.

Personal and people development Essential criteria

• Work on own or as part of a team
• Be confident, diplomatic and have personal & professional maturity.
• Be enthusiastic.
• Polite and courteous
• Be self-motivated and patient focused
• Initiative and common sense
• Willing to learn

Desirable criteria

• Commitment to personal development

Communication Essential criteria

• Clear, accurate written and verbal communication
• Effective listening skills
• Good interpersonal skills
• Participate in departmental meetings